Most Important Statistics for Detroit Red Wings Heading into 2nd Half

The Detroit Red Wings currently sit third in the Atlantic Division with a 22-10-9 record and 53 points in 41 games. By all accounts, the Wings appear to be playoff-bound for their 24th consecutive season, and it would be another amazing statistic in the team's history.

This season, there have been a number of statistics of note for Detroit, and there are some that will be very important going forward. Here are the most important statistics to note for Detroit.

1-7

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The Detroit Red Wings have a deplorable record in the shootout this season. To be accurate, it is the league's worst at 1-7. For whatever reason, the Wings have been unable to find success in the skills competition this season.

The Red Wings will need to keep this in mind for the rest of the season, especially in games that go to overtime.

When you consider their ineptitude in this area, it would make sense for the Wings to go all out and take extra chances before the shootout, because it is almost a guarantee that they are leaving a point on the table after OT.

.500

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Scoring the first goal of a game is supposed to be important, because it allows a team to set the pace and dictate play. That hasn't happened this season for the Red Wings, and they have the league's fourth-worst win percentage in games in which they score first.

The Wings have won as many games as they have lost when scoring first, and going forward, they will need to do a much better job of playing with and securing their lead.

7.6 Percent

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The number in the title, 7.6 percent, happens to be team captain Henrik Zetterberg's shooting percentage. Zetterberg is a talented offensive player, but his current efficiency rating is well below his career average of 10.4 percent.

The low shooting percentage hasn't hurt Zetterberg too much, but it could be a cause for concern as games tighten up during the run toward the playoffs. The team captain leads the Red Wings with 36 points, but his luck could start running out.

2.08

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Jimmy Howard has enjoyed a solid season to date despite missing time due to injuries. This season, his goals-against average of 2.08 has been very solid and much better than his career average of 2.38. Thirty percentage points is quite the swing, and this is a number that will likely change as the season goes on.

It is an important statistic to monitor because the Red Wings will need to be proactive when Howard starts to regress toward the middle. There is a chance he can keep up his stellar play, but history says otherwise.

14 Power-Play Points

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Gustav Nyquist is a talented hockey player with promise for the Detroit Red Wings, but this season, he hasn't been as dominant at even strength. Last season, Nyquist had 39 points at even strength and only nine on the power play.

This season, he has 14 points on the power play and 14 points at even strength, and that is cause for concern. Nyquist is a talented player, but his inability to dominate at even strength like last year is something to monitor.

I understand that Nyquist is more of a known player this year, but he should have better numbers in five-on-five situations.

Statistics via NHL.com.